Qatar Airways is celebrating its 15th anniversary of operations in Australia. Since launching its first Australian route from Melbourne to Doha on December 7, 2009, the airline has flown over 9.7 million passengers to and from the country. It now operates in five major cities, including Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Brisbane, and Adelaide, with 42 weekly flights.
To commemorate the milestone, Qatar Airways held a celebration at Melbourne Airport. The event featured a “cake-cutting ceremony” attended by Michael Cullen, Melbourne Airport’s Head of Commercial and Airline Business Development, and senior Qatar Airways officials. The celebrations included the giveaway of Business Class flight upgrades to six lucky passengers, as well as sweet treats for all travelers as a token of appreciation for their continued support.
Qatar Airways also introduced a special Business Class menu as part of its anniversary celebration. The menu highlights Australian ingredients such as Queensland finger lime, South Australian bush tomato, and NSW lemon myrtle, bringing a taste of local heritage to the in-flight experience.
Thierry Antinori, Qatar Airways’ Chief Commercial Officer, expressed his pride in the airline’s 15 years of service in Australia, acknowledging the exceptional support the airline has received from Australian passengers. He noted that the reactions of passengers receiving upgrades were a testament to the importance of delivering special moments for customers.
Melbourne Airport’s Michael Cullen praised Qatar Airways for being an excellent partner over the past 15 years. “The surprise giveaways certainly created added excitement for passengers,” he said.
Beyond its operations in Australia, Qatar Airways has supported various community initiatives, including evacuation flights and charity work such as the Good Friday Appeal. The airline has also been a sponsor of major events like the Formula One Australian Grand Prix and MotoGP. In 2025, Qatar Airways will be the title sponsor of the British & Irish Lions Tour in Australia, further solidifying its presence in the country.
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